Cool MateLicense vs Permit
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
License
Permit
| License | Permit | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈlaɪsns/","/ˈlaɪsnsɪz/","/ˈlaɪsnst/","/ˈlaɪsnsɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈlaɪsns/","/ˈlaɪsnsɪz/","/ˈlaɪsnst/","/ˈlaɪsnsɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/pəˈmɪt/","/pəˈmɪts/","/pəˈmɪtɪd/","/pəˈmɪtɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/pərˈmɪt/","/pərˈmɪts/","/pərˈmɪtɪd/","/pərˈmɪtɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | A permit that allows you to do something, like drive or practice a profession. | To allow something to happen. |
| Example | The new drug has not yet been licensed in the US. | The teacher will permit students to leave early if they finish their exams on time. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | B2 |
| Part of speech | verb | verb |
| Collocations | driver's license, business license, fishing license, license plate, teaching license | legally, generally, normally, refuse to, be designed to, legally, generally, normally, refuse to, be designed to |
| Antonyms | prohibition, ban, forbiddance | forbid, prohibit, ban |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'licence' (the British spelling)., Used as a verb instead of a noun, e.g., 'I need to license my car.' (should be 'I need a license for my car.'), Mixing up 'license' and 'permit' in specific contexts. | Confused with 'allow' - 'permit' is often more formal., Using 'permit' incorrectly in passive voice without clear subject., Using 'permit' without an object, forgetting what is being permitted. |
| Usage notes | Use 'license' when referring to official permissions, especially legal or professional. It's not appropriate in casual conversations about everyday activities. | Use 'permit' in formal contexts, such as legal or official situations. It's less common in casual conversation, where 'let' might be more appropriate. |
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Frequently asked questions: License vs Permit
What's the difference between License and Permit?
License: A permit that allows you to do something, like drive or practice a profession. Permit: To allow something to happen.
Which is more common: License and Permit?
License is the most common in everyday English.
Which is more advanced: License and Permit?
License is the highest level, at C1, on the CEFR scale.
Are License and Permit the same CEFR level?
License: C1, Permit: B2 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are License and Permit?
License: verb, Permit: verb.
Can you show an example of each?
License: The new drug has not yet been licensed in the US. Permit: The teacher will permit students to leave early if they finish their exams on time.
Can I use License and Permit interchangeably?
Not always. License and Permit are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.